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10.31.2018

A Convenient Engagement ~ Review

A Convenient EngagementBrides of Brighton #1By Ashtyn Newton

Miss Amelia Buxton longs to see Brighton. Her life in Nottingham is so dreary and the suitors her father is determined to see her wed to are even more dreary. What's a lady to do when her deepest desire is to be a spinster. But to Brighton, she'll never go if her father cannot be convinced otherwise. In a moment of desperation, Amelia agrees that she will become engaged while in Brighton or agree to an engagement with Mr. Clinton, an old graying bore who used a cane and has to be twice her age!

In Brighton, Adam Claridge is desperate his sister is missing and he can find no sign of her anywhere. Worse his father's fragile health seems to be declining further with Eleanor's disappearance. Convinced that Eleanor's disappearance is the result of nefarious deeds because she would never willingly leave their father in his current state Adam is no closer to the truth than the day she disappeared. When a charming visitor offers her help Adam is forced to admit a woman's perspective may help him in his search.

But helping Adam will hinder Amelia's own search - one that her Aunt Margaret unfortunately reveals. With an offer to help Amelia obtain the engagement her father demands in exchange for her assistance, Amelia soon finds herself in a most uncomfortable situation entertaining the unwanted attentions of a gentleman who may be linked to Eleanor's disappearance.

What follows is a series of emotional ups and downs as Amelia, Adam, and Aunt Margaret enjoy the delights of Brighton that are not too delightful. And then there is that pesky engagement that Amelia must secure within three months - will Adam's plan allow her to satisfy her father's demand while allowing her to live the life she's long desired? Only time will tell.

Ashtyn Newbold has done it again with this first book in her new series. The characters are a delight to become acquainted with. And fans of her previous works will enjoy revisiting the Regency period once again. Amelia and Adam are well suited and it is interesting observing them fight against losing their hearts in their most convenient engagement. And then there is Aunt Margaret who one can only hope will someday meet a man worthy of her.

Find a cozy corner and get ready to visit Brighton for a day or two!

About the Book:

A false engagement.

A mysterious coast.

Two reluctant hearts.

Much to her father’s dismay, Miss Amelia Buxton aspires to become a spinster, just like her eccentric aunt. Growing up with parents who married for every reason but love, she has never seen a joyful marriage. When Amelia requests a summer trip to the legendary waters of Brighton, her father allows her the excursion, but with one requirement: she must return engaged or agree to the proposal of the man of his choosing.

Crawling with tourists, Brighton is not the town Adam Claridge once loved. When his sister Eleanor disappears without warning, Adam is desperate to bring her home. In his search, he happens upon Miss Amelia Buxton, a young tourist that proves vital in his search for Eleanor. But Amelia is conducting a search of her own—a search for a husband—and Adam has little choice but to offer a fair trade: he will play the role of Amelia’s betrothed in exchange for her assistance in finding Eleanor.

Convenient at first, Amelia and Adam’s arrangement quickly plummets into disarray. Falling in love had not been part of their bargain.